Since I can't search here with the new format, I thought I'd ask the......ahem...experts...I have found in a LGS a 1903-A3 rifle, but it is a Santa Fe 1903, using google fu, I have found about 50-50 as to whether these are shooters, or wall hangers. The price is affordable, so my hackles are up about it. It has been in the shop for a while, so I thought everybody else, just wanted Tacticool stuff, and just didn't appreciate the old school wood and steel. Some posts I've read say the cast receivers are unsafe, some say safe, and point out Ruger using cast parts....What say you INGO? I'll take my answer off the air.....
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Santa Fe 1903-A3
- Thread starter MrSmitty
- Start date
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They are made with cast receivers, there have been complaints that the receiver will crack etc. This company bought go barrels and parts and slapped these guns together i believe back in the 60's. They are hard to sell to unless the purchaser knows little about them or doesn't care! I bought one cheap just to use for parts! The receiver was never used!
I hadn't heard anything about the 03-A3's, but I do remember them cutting down Enfields to make "Jungle Carbines". They seemed to be okay, but they of course weren't real jungle carbines.
sloughfoot
Grandmaster
I have never heard of a santa fe 1903.
I have never heard that term before either. I do recall that early 03s had metallurgical issues.
National Ordinance ring a bell?
Just no to both of those.
Seem to remember they used some bent barrels and straightened them. Kinda.
Buy a nice example 03a3. You will never regret spending a little more on what you really want.
sloughfoot
Grandmaster
Early wartime 1903 rifles had heat treating issues. My 1903 that was built in 1907 does not have any issues.
From what I have googled, these were basically 1903a3 parts, and Santa Fe made cast receivers and built guns from the casting, and the barrels, and bolts... have read hit or miss about the head spacing, and the cast receivers. I was really interested till I read all that.....now, not so much. If it had been a bubba'd 1903a3, for that price I would have sold a kidney.....
led4thehed2
Sharpshooter
I'd agree with the opinions of probably don't buy. I came across a similar gun- Auto Ordnance 1903 - in a Bass Pro Shop a few years ago. $450...was so tempted! A quick Google search revealed these were not government guns, were made during the cold war, and IIRC, they used old receivers to make a mold and cast their receivers. Some don't last.
Ultimately, I decided to be patient, watched the CMP forums, and then pounced when they got a shipment of 1903s. I know that is not an option for everyone, but the North store in only 4.5 hours from me. $650 later I had a nice 1903 with little barrel ware that had already lasted 100 years, and still shoots nicely.
Ultimately, I decided to be patient, watched the CMP forums, and then pounced when they got a shipment of 1903s. I know that is not an option for everyone, but the North store in only 4.5 hours from me. $650 later I had a nice 1903 with little barrel ware that had already lasted 100 years, and still shoots nicely.
